Pneumonitis

What is it?

Pneumonitis is inflammation (swelling) of the lungs.

What causes pneumonitis?

It can be caused by:

• Breathing in a toxin or allergen.
• A tumor.
• Radiation treatment to the chest.
• Treatment with certain medications.

Pneumonitis can cause:

• Shortness of breath.
• A low level of oxygen in the body.
• Fever.
• Cough.
• Chest pain with breathing.

Pneumonitis caused by chemotherapy may start after a few days of getting it. Whether or not you get pneumonitis from radiation depends on the amount of lung tissue treated by radiation. For example, breast irradiation often affects only a small area of lung tissue. The area in your body where lung cancer is treated is often larger, making your risk of pneumonitis even greater. Radiation treatment that affects lung tissue and chemotherapy given at the same time may increase your level of pneumonitis.

Pneumonitis often goes away within a few weeks. Pulmonary fibrosis is when the lungs become damaged, scarred, and stiff. Pulmonary fibrosis can develop in the affected lung tissue as a late effect of radiation therapy.

How is it managed?

Pneumonitis is managed by treating your symptoms. Pneumonitis can be prevented and chemotherapy and radiation should be given at the lowest but most effective doses. This will help lessen the harm to your lungs.

Some ways that pneumonitis is managed are:

• Oxygen therapy to prevent a low level of oxygen in the body.
• Bronchodilators may be given to help open up the lungs for better oxygenation (oxygen flow).
• Steroids may be given to lessen inflammation and help the lungs heal.
• If you smoke, stop. Avoid places where people are smoking.

When should I call my care team?

Call your care team if you are having signs of pneumonitis. Call 911 if you suddenly become short of breath.